Family historians love books, especially ones that help them understand DNA and capture and preserve memories. Discover six book titles that will better the lives of your genealogy loving friends (or yourself). #1 Reimagine Family History Forget what you’ve learned about genealogy and learn the greater vision of family history. By so doing, you’ll discover a specific part of the family-focused hobby that makes your heart sing. Not everyone is a tree climber or dusty book reader. Reimagine family history and preserve your legacy. #2 DNA Q&A: Real Questions From Real People About Genetic Genealogy DNA doesn’t lie, but it doesn’t tell the whole truth. However, the truth genetic genealogy…

Though it may seem sacrilegious to ask, “Do you need to downsize the unnecessarily large family tree that you’re attempting to maintain across multiple platforms and/or in a genealogy software program?” If you have a family tree that is upwards of 10,000 people, you need to consider downsizing your tree to become laser-focused on quality research. How my family tree grew unnecessarily large If you’re anything like me, when you find a new person connected to someone on your tree, you quickly add them on your tree. You found them after all. These new people in your database may the same surname as you or be a spouse of your…

Modern men and women tend to collect keepsakes, souvenirs, and other items of interest. When you begin decreasing the contents in your home, follow these steps for downsizing your collections while preserving your family history. My mother collected bears and salt and pepper shakers. My mother-in-law collects dolls and things from her travels. I collected Russ Troll Dolls (which you can see here). Our collections defined us during different parts of our lives BUT our children don’t want our entire collections. Penny Geiszler’s bear collection. (Among other things) In fact, I told my mother I didn’t want her bears and salt and pepper shakers so she got rid of them.…

Why on earth would a family historian spend time downsizing their genealogy source materials in their home? They do it because otherwise, all of their research efforts will be poorly managed at their passing if they don’t. Preservation minded family historians likely have no one who wants their family history or would burn their genealogy room if they don’t organize and preserve the best material. Or, the information will be stuck in an attic never to see the light of day unless a flood or tornado dislodges the items from their dark sanctuary. For that reason, genealogists would do well to consider how they can increase the chances that their…

Thousands of books, blog posts, and podcasts offer downsizing tips that don’t work, at least when it comes to reducing your possessions with an eye toward preserving your family history. If you want or need to downsize your home, apartment, or other living situations, you need to do three things. Why Traditional Downsizing Tips Don’t Work Two of the most egregious downsizing tips that don’t work when you are also trying to preserve your family history are: If you haven’t used it in 6 months, throw it out.If it doesn’t bring you joy, throw it out. Item of historical or genealogical value lack frequency of use. How often do you…

You Might Also Like

Meet Devon Noel, Caleb, and Andy Lee. We help beginning and intermediate level genealogists understand DNA, climb their family trees, and write their ancestors' stories along the way. If family history isn't fun, you're doing it wrong.